Harambolas I know what you are getting at - it is true that some people at risk of suicide might complete that act no matter what sorts of support are in place or offerred, due to various factors.

A society or government that ensures adequate social support structures are in place would assist in minimising those situations where suicide is contemplated. Moreso in those cases where the person at risk may have a feeling of hopelessness where circumstances and possible solutions are perceived to be out of their control.

There is an amazing amount of excellent work done by groups like Beyond Blue which is great given depression and stress related disorders are on the increase. The big picture in today's globalised economy is that the wellbeing of people does not always take first priority. This mindset needs to change if we are to put community first over money or profit.

It is without a doubt tragic when someone commits suicide. But murder? I think that's a bit strong and over the top. It is not illegal to take your own life but it certainly is illegal to take another person's life- so murder its not.

Often people who do commit suicide do so to 'make the pain go away.' They are screaming out " Make it stop!"

There are a lot of misconceptions in society about people who attempt or succeed with suicide. To label it as socially conditioned murder does those suffering people a disservice- it simply stigmatizes them even more.

It would be wonderful if our busy society took more time to reach out to each other and show the kindness and generosity our human race is capable of then it is very possible the decision to 'end it all' would not be so readily considered

Haralambos “My concern is that most people don't know much about depression, or other mental illnesses, or don't care. I will even take this further and say that whilst the individual pulls the trigger, society loads and holds the gun.”

We all deal with different issues in our lives.

Part of the growth process is learning how to deal with them.
Depression is no different to many other maladies; it is a mental illness and not a physical one.

Re “or don't care”

If we were to spend all our time pondering the maladies and negative influences which affect other people lives, when would we ever find time to live our own?

Re “society loads and holds the gun”

Only if you expect society to be responsible for your every action.

Personally I do not think society holds the gun. My life is not all upside but I simply refuse to make a crutch or excuse from the downsides.

I take personal account for my actions and do not seek to make society responsible for anything I do.

As for euthanasia, if it came to it, I would rather do a “Thelma and Louise” than cling to a significantly diminished life style.

However, that is subject to the responsibility I have to the feelings and wishes of my partner, friends and children, who may not agree with me deciding when to shuffle off this mortal coil.

When young, one of my daughters faked a suicide attempt.

When I got there, I placed my face 2 inches above hers and shouted that her selfishness was not acceptable to me, her mother or the other people who loved her .

We got her counselling and she is now a happy young adult.

I find the accusation in Haralambos initial post “society loads and holds the gun”, to be an extremely selfish and self-absorbed perception.

Self sufficiency is not just an economic concept, it is an emotional one too.

Hi pelican,

Yes, a supportive environment is what's required. People need to feel that they're not alone.

Hi TammyJo,

You're right. Where is that kindness and generosity?

Haralambos,

The kindness and the generosity really is all around us. I promise.

Having been a suicide interventionist and a support-group facillitator for quite a few years I am constantly overwhelmed by how many wonderful people in every community are doing so much good. Most areas have Community Health or Community Help organisations which could never operate without the freely given help of volunteers who dedicate their lives to others and their problems.

However, if you, or anyone you know, is in a bad place and are unaware of the resources surrounding us it is a pretty safe bet that the people providing those resources are equally unaware of you or whoever you know that needs help.

G.P.'s can put people in touch. Local Councils are amazingly helpful at doing the same thing. Members of service groups such as Rotary provide the same services to anyone who contacts them. Vinnies etc. don't just sell old clothes, either, they have amazing resources. Local womens clubs - even including things like Weight-Watchers, believe it or not - if they don't have the information,will always help put one in touch. High Schools are another place where members of the public can go and visit the school counsellors for information. Youth organisations always know of what resources are around. The Classified sections of local newspapers usually yield information too.

If one has never looked around for these resources it might indeed seem that no-one cares. But truly, there are are thousands of people throughout Australia to whom one can reach out.

Getting oneself involved in any of these ventures and helping out oneself too, can have an incredibly positive effect on changing ones perceptions about society as well as about one's own ability to make a difference.